New digs for W. Broad car dealer

Bobby Layman Chevrolet is celebrating the opening of its new building this weekend, a project that is one of the most visible improvements on the West Side since the arrival of the nearby casino.

The new building is 64,000 square feet, which is similar to the one it replaces, with design elements that General Motors is trying to bring to all of its stores. The address remains the same, 3900 W. Broad St.

"We're shooting for a 20 percent increase" in sales because of the new building, said Ben Stroup, the store's general manager.

Hollywood Casino Columbus opened last fall on Georgesville Road, just a few blocks away from the car dealership. Several businesses have expanded or remodeled in anticipation of an uptick in traffic, but Stroup says it is too early to gauge how much the casino has affected sales.

Bobby Layman Chevrolet is celebrating the opening of its new building this weekend, a project that is one of the most visible improvements on the West Side since the arrival of the nearby casino.

The new building is 64,000 square feet, which is similar to the one it replaces, with design elements that General Motors is trying to bring to all of its stores. The address remains the same, 3900 W. Broad St.

“We’re shooting for a 20 percent increase” in sales because of the new building, said Ben Stroup, the store’s general manager.

Hollywood Casino Columbus opened last fall on Georgesville Road, just a few blocks away from the car dealership. Several businesses have expanded or remodeled in anticipation of an uptick in traffic, but Stroup says it is too early to gauge how much the casino has affected sales.

“It definitely gives us more drive-by for people who never would have driven down West Broad,” he said.

The Chevrolet brand has been in the rise in the last few years with the introduction of the Ohio-made Cruze and other new products. Stroup attributes most of his recent success to the Chevrolet brand and not the casino.

Bobby Layman Chevrolet had used the previous building since 1979. It was demolished last September and the dealer has been operating out of a temporary office during construction.